Club News Update 

to add any news please email webmaster@croydonjudo.com 

Summer is here! 19 July 2008

It's official, despite the recent weather, summer finally came to Croydon as the club held it's annual summer competition followed by a barbeque and family fun day jointly run with our friends at the Sir Philip Game Centre and Morland Park Residents Association.

The morning saw a great number of our junior players and some of our seniors taking part in a club competition - just for fun.  Ian Greenwood (pictured right under different circumstances later that day!), the most recent winner of the Jack Petchey Achievement Award and organiser of the junior competition, decided that the 'winnings' should be spent on buying the medals for the competition, and so it was appropriate that he presented the junior competition players with their medals.  Also presenting medals - to the seniors - was previous Jack Petchey winner Mohamad Lasladj.

Following the mornings activities, players loosen their obi (belts) and kicked off their zori (shoes) and enjoyed a barbeque with family and friends, and in taking part in the various activities also raised money for the mini-bus fund.

Huge thanks to the Morland Park Residents Association who joined again this year, and to the Sir Philip Game Centre for once again hosting us (and for putting on a great Martial Arts display).  Also thanks to Saint Thomas Beckett school for the loan of the stocks ... I'm not sure how we are going to cope without them!

www.morlandpark.org.uk

www.spgcentre.co.uk

Croydon Medals at BJC Welsh Nationals 14 July 2008

It was up to Peter Vincent, as the sole representative of Croydon Judo Club, to bring home the medals at the BJC Welsh Nationals. The BJC Welsh Nationals are one of the two majors in the BJC calendar and winning a medal at the championships also secures an invitation to join 'Team BJC', the BJC National Squad. As with the English BJC Nationals the event is not age graded and basically includes the equivalent to Bands A, B and C in the BJA.

Peter fought extremely well winning all his fights with either ippon or submission to get into the final. Peter lost in the final to his rival Aaron Harrison (Red Phoenix) in a great fight with both fighters scoring but Peter was caught as he chased the fight to gain an ippon. Peter won a well deserved silver medal. It was Aarons last BJC Junior Nationals as he will become a senior in December so hopefully Peter will go one better next year.

Lauren Coles, a friend of Croydon Judo Club, won her first BJC National medal taking a Bronze in the under 55Kg Junior girls.

Peter has also recently been selected by his school to join ‘Team Elite’ based at Chichester University. Team Elite is for 30 gifted and talented sports boys and girls from all sports in South West Sussex and provides support over the next year as part of the junior athlete education programme. All aspects of sporting education are covered i.e. Core stability, Hydration, Nutrition, Biomechanics, Sports injury and massage, Time management etc. Physiological and psychological testing is also carried out in the sports science labs at the University on all of the athletes over the year.

Thousands flock to see Croydon Judo Club display ... 12 July 2008

... and to be apart of this weekends Croydon Summer Festival!  In addition to the electrifying music, dance and other performances, club members - lead by club member Iain Greenwood and coach Tony Baker - put on two performances of their own in order to show festival goers was judo is all about.  Huge thanks to everyone who helped take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.

Competition success continues 10 July 2008

John Hisee has been in action both in the UK and in Europe over the past couple of months.

In Venray, Holland John finished 7th at under 73Kg winning four of his six fights and defeating a Russian fighter in what is one of the toughest junior competitions in Europe.

John also completed his BJC junior grading gaining 3 black tags on his belt at the grading in South London. This is equivalent to junior black belt. The gradings are tough with performance of the full Katame and Nage No Kata required as well as theory and contests. John produced some excellent kata assisted by training partner Peter Vincent as uke, Peter is also a junior black belt with the BJC.

John for fought for Bromley in the London Youth Games and won a Bronze although there is a question over the content of his weight group due to no scales being available at this event to weigh the participants. John competed in his weight group where others may have taken a lighter option.

The next day John fought at the Kent International and won silver and beat two England Cadets in the process. Unfortunately in the semi final he broke a bone in his hand and fought one handed in the final losing narrowly to one of the England cadets that he beat earlier.

Not realising how bad the injury was he fought in the Surrey Grading the following week and achieved his 1st Kyu with some great throws but is now in plaster and will be out for 4 – 6 weeks whilst the bones heal. We all hope he will be back in time for the Heart of England in September.

Medals Galore for Croydon at the London Youth Games 29 June 2008

On Saturday 28th June 2008 the Croydon Borough travelled to Harrow for the London Youth Games. Despite the early start, torrid organisation and poor mats the small squad of 8 claimed 7 medals.

In section A, Sophie Johnson was extremely unlucky not to win a gold medal in the -36kgs category, however she did beat all her opponents who were all bigger than her. In the -46kgs category, Will Johnson also narrowly missed out on the gold medal losing by a yuko in the final. Both competitors achieved worthy silver medals. Tom Johnson was unlucky in his first fight and fought his way superbly through the repecharge to win bronze in the -42kgs. To round off section A, Martin Parris in his first competition won a bronze medal throwing his opponent within seconds with ippon.

In section B, the boys had a lot to live up to from the morning. James Jeffries started the ball rolling with a silver in the -60kgs, showing great technique and skill along the way. Again he was unlucky in the final and only lost by a yuko. Also fighting well was Iain Greenwood (-81kgs) who again could of clinched a gold medal however lost by a small score in his final fight therefore taking the silver. Chris Aldred also fought extremely well to win silver in -50kgs and to round off the older boys Cauthen Samuel was unfortunate to lose in the bronze medal fight however was in the toughest group of the day so did well to achieve 5th in the -66kgs group.

The whole squad performed extremely well and all the achievements will help towards Croydon’s standings for the London Youth Games. It is vital to note that there were no scales at the event therefore many participants were fighting in the wrong weight groups therefore providing a tougher day for all the competitors. However I, as Team Manager, am extremely proud of all the squad and all performed as promising athletes. The whole squad showed great sportsmanship, team passion and positive attitude.

Nicola Gray

Croydon Team Manager for Judo

... and the winner is ... 27 June 2008

Iain Greenwood became Croydon Judo Club's 3rd winner of the Jack Petchey Achievement Award this week.  Iain was voted for by many of his peers, as well as by parents and volunteers, who recognised not on only his achievements in recent competitions (see previous news item), but, perhaps more important, he's contribution to the life of the club (e.g. organising displays, assisting the club coaches at several weekly sessions).

His generous attitude was particularly appreciated by the younger members of the club who talked of Iain helping them with their preparations for gradings and at competitions.

Iain was presented with a replica cheque for £300 which he received on behalf of the local club ... watch this space to find out what Iain has decided the money should be spent on!

For more information about the Jack Petchey Foundation, visit their website at www.jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk

Croydon doesn't buckle under pressure 10 June 2008

The South of England Open Junior and Youth Championships - held on Sunday 8th June at Crawley's K2 - was an extremely tough competition.  And yet each of the players from Croydon Judo Club came away with a medal.

Among the many highlights, Tomas Luckus (under 42kgs/ 10-11 yrs) fought, arguably, the fight of his life, only being beaten by the National Champion in a pool with some very strong players.  Iain Greenwood also proved his metal, severely damaging his knee (ripped cartilage) on his way to taking the Gold; yes that's his knee pictured!

Congratulations to all our players, and to our friend Tom Johnson of Yoshin Ryu who also took Gold in the under 38kgs.

Click here for a photo gallery

(trust me, they're not all of Iain's knee!)

South of the River, across the Channel 6 June 2008

Croydon players and coaches were in action in Dunkirk representing the South London BJC Area over the weekend of the 17th and 18th May 2008 in the 15th Tournoi Europeen du Littoral.

Two teams and coaches were selected to represent South London by BJC 5th Dan, Laurie Dalton. The tournament is quite a large one with many countries sending squads of players to compete in the individual event on the Saturday and the team event on the Sunday. Due to the varying weight requirements of the team event those in weight categories outside the team requirements fought in the individual event.

On the Saturday the individual international junior age banded championships were held with Croydon's John Hisee and Peter Vincent (pictured left) both beating French and Dutch juniors to take Golds in there their age bands at under 73kg and under 60kg respectively. The pair were coached by Joe Williams (pictured below) who made sure the boys were well fired up for the competition.

On the Sunday the international team tournament took place with teams from France England and Holland. The South London Junior Team members (shown below) were as follows; Lawrence and Liam Rowles (St. Albans), Adam Winchester (Marshalswick), Jamie Caller (Renzoku) and Jordan Haughey (Mickelfield). The team displayed some excellent judo beating the two French teams, containing French Cadets, to qualify for the final and only narrowly lost out to the Dutch team by one fight taking a well deserved Silver. Joe collected a well deserved trophy for his squad’s success.

After the completion of the team competition all seven members of the junior squad attended a training session with Cecile Nowak whose list of honours include winning the European, Olympic and World Championships.

The senior team, coached by Brian Curran, faced tough opposition and narrowly lost the match to keep them in the top four of the competition. The team was made up of both Croydon and Coulsdon players including; Tim Bass, Craig Spencer, Cormack Murphy, Ed Trudgell and Roch Borg. The event was won by the Dutch with Dartford finishing as runners up. The French team gained Bronze along with the BJA Eastern Area Team which featured Colin Oates.

[Thanks to Stuart for the report and pics - Webmaster]

Croydon pair take BJC medals 6 May 2008

John Hisee and Peter Vincent - both pictured left - went back to their BJC (British Judo Council) roots at the weekend travelling to Hereford for the BJC Junior Nationals. The BJC Nationals are tough with no age or grade bandings and the top weight group being over 60Kg.

John fought in the over 60kg and won all his fights through to the final where he faced the BJA under 81kg number 2 cadet, Harry Godwin. John lost a close fight to a referee tapping John out of an arm lock that was not even on. John picked up a silver to maintain his place in the BJC National Squad.

Peter fought in under 60Kg and lost his first fight by Wazari to fellow BJC National Squad player Aaron Harrison from Leicester’s Red Phoenix who fights in top C band in  BJA competitions. Harrison went on to win gold.  Peter refocused and battled his way through the repecharge to take bronze and keep his place in the BJC National Squad.

Hisee pulls in the medals 5 May 2008

John Hisee had a tough start to the year picking up an injury whilst winning gold in a competition in Holland which kept him out of the Midland and North West Area Championships.

However during April John, now fighting in under 73Kg, picked up another gold in Holland with four straight wins with some fine drop throws and Tai Otoshi techniques.

John also fought at the Ford age banded event winning bronze after losing to David Logan who is an established World Class Start England player. Logan won the gold and John battled his way through the repecharge to take the bronze. The following week John entered the Peterborough Junior and Youth competition and took silver in the under 16s and 5^th in the Youth event. David Logan is turning out to be a tough opponent for John as he lost to him in both events.

"He's cool!" 17 April 2008

This was the reason given by one junior member when they chose to nominate Mohamad Lasladj for Croydon Judo Club's second Jack Petchey Achievement Award.

Mohamad, in addition to being a huge judo talent, is a great mentor for the younger members of the club and has a natural ability to get the best out of them.  As one parent said "He always helps younger/ new players to improve and feel welcome", whilst another talked of his "great judo spirit".  Another club member simply said "He's funny"!

Club chairman Alan Rickard present the boxed medallion, pin, certificate and £300 cheque (for the club!) at the close of the club's regular Thursday junior session, where Mohamad had once again been lending a hand on the mats and demonstrating why he was nominated.

All Mohamad has to do now is choose what the club spends the money on!

For more information about the Jack Petchey Foundation, visit their website at www.jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk

World Class Talent 17 April 2008

Club player Peter Vincent has been identified as a "Talented young competitor" by the British Judo Association and has been co-opted on to the World Class Start Squad.

World Class Start program aims to prepare players (both physically and mentally) for the ultimate goal of winning medals at the World Championships and Olympic Games, and requires a high level of commitment and dedication for those recognised in this way.

The regular training sessions ensure that Peter will get the right training at the right time and enable him to develop his technique alongside other top local players.

Millennium League and Squad Trials 30 March 2008

Congratulations to all club players who took part in this weekends Millennium League 2nd round and Surrey County Squad Trials; some great judo which, to steal the words from Iain's mouth, "showed everyone what our club is about".  The medal winners were as follows ...

Of course every player who took part in the competition, whether they came home with a medal or not, gave the club valuable points in the League; so well done to all. [League positions to follow once published] 

Click here to read Iain's report on the boys weekend performance, and here for Emma's report on the girls

Kat on the Mat 18 March 2008

Congratulations to club member and coach Katrina McDonald who took Gold in the Women's Dan Grade under 78Kgs category at this weekends British University Judo Championships held in Sheffield.

This achievement adds to her already impressive CV as University of Bath coach, BJA Southern Area Girls Squad coach, previous British University Championship medallist and GB Senior International, and continues to be one to watch.

"Please be up-standing!" 17 March 2008

At an evening put on to showcase the sporting achievement of some of Croydons finest young athletes, and to acknowledge some of the boroughs long serving volunteers, Croydon Judo Club coach and referee Sid Hearsey was presented with an award by Mayor of Croydon councillor Derek Millard.

The 'Excellence in Sports' awards evening, held in the Mayor's Reception Room in the Town Hall, was an opportunity to say thank you to those volunteers who are, in the words of Peter Westlake (Chair of the Croydon Schools Sports Council) helping people of all ages to develop a life-long interest in their chosen sport.

Steve Hollands (Cabinet Member for Culture & Sport) acknowledged that without their contribution "sport would be the poorer".  Indeed few local sports associations would even exist without these volunteers giving up their evenings and weekends, and Croydon Judo Club is no exception.

Following the presentation Sid, who often deflects any credit, said "I feel now that I am a referee and coach extraordinaire!".

The Mayor had time to properly meet the awardees, and to hear more about their achievements, at a reception following the presentations.  It also gave the club chairman the perfect opportunity to try and coax some of these talented players down to the club!

Everyone a winner! 5 March 2008

Though it is true that everyone who steps on to a competition mat comes away with something, the Croydon Judo Clubs players who entered the South of England 'Dan, Kyu and Masters Open Championships' at Crawley's K2 sports centre this weekend all walked away having tasted medal success!

Kye Grade (Men): Iain Greenwood (Gold; -81Kgs), Mukendi Kodima (Bronze; -66Kgs) and Edward Trudgell (Bronze; -90Kgs)

Kye Grade (Women): Emma Doherty took Gold in her group and then competed in the Womens Open

Dan Grade (Men): James Jeffries (Silver; -60Kgs), Roch Borg (Silver; -73Kgs) and Jollie (Gold; +100Kgs)

Masters (Men): Vali Brandao (Bronze; -90Kgs) and Tim Bass (Silver; -100Kgs)  ... a tremendous result; congratulations to all.

Club players Peter Vincent and Tim-Philipp Ebel also came home with Bronze and Silver medals respectively after competing in this weekends North West Age Banded 2008 Championships in St. Helens.  Well done guys.

Walsall Wanderers 4 February 2008

Local youngsters traveled to Walsall (University of Wolverhampton campus) last weekend to compete in the British Judo Association Midland Area under 20 Age Banded Championships. This is the first in a series of high profile events that will lead up to the British Judo Association National Age Banded Championships in October.

With most of the past junior World Class Start squad there, this was a very tough start to the year.  The older members of the group found they gained valuable experience and, despite achieving a few 5th places, came away without any medals.

The younger members fared better on the Saturday with Yoshin Ryu club member Tom Johnson just missing out and taking a 5th place. Twin brother William Johnson went one better in his category when he came back in the repecharge after losing to one of the finalists to take third place Bronze.

Croydon Judo Club’s Tim-Philip Ebel also had to pick up his game after being beaten for a place in the final and with the clubs senior coach Alan Rickard beside the mat he too won through to a Bronze medal.

The experience of a few years of competition gave Croydon player Peter Vincent the edge needed to go all the way to the final where he convincingly won Gold.

Well done to all.
 

Grading success 27 January 2008

Sunday was a tough day for many of the clubs junior and senior members.  The morning saw some great judo as our junior members (6th mon and below) put their mat skills to the test at the first Millennium League competition of the year (see below).  In the afternoon many of our juniors (6th mon upwards) and seniors took to the floor for the first county grading of the year.

Gradings are nerve-racking experiences - as much about mental effort as physical - and all judoka showed great spirit and determination on Sunday ... and were rewarded!

"I was on the mat for probably less time that I am for a warm-up," said one senior "but those 8-10 minutes - and all the waiting in between - certainly takes its toll; I found it pretty hard to get up the next morning!".

It's difficult to single out any one member of the club.  However, Iain Greenwood was in blistering form, scoring decisive wins despite, in some cases being significantly younger and lighter than his opponents.  Iain jumped a belt, moving from 4th Kyu to 2nd Kyu by the end of the day.

Both James Jeffries and Hannah Edridge gained their 1st Kyu, whilst junior member Cauthen Samuel jumped an amazing 5 grades, going from 10th Mon (bottom green) to 15th Mon (top blue).

In addition it is worth mentioning both Charlotte Davolls and Emma Doherty who successfully moved from junior to senior grade.  Charlotte moving on to 5th Kyu (top green) and Emma 2nd Kyu (bottom brown).

Click here to see a full list of our members achievements.

The next county grading is on Sunday 6th July 2008, again at Donyngs Recreation Centre in Redhill.

2008 Millennium League - a close-up 27 January 2008

Competitions are never easy.  Whether you are a player nervously waiting to see who will be put against next, or a parent anxious for your child to do well and not sink under the pressure, or a volunteer without whom the event would not take place, it can be an exhausting day with many highs and lows.

The first round of the 2008 Millennium League was no exception, but exhausting or not, it was great to be there.

Several things were different - the location, new mats - as Sid Hearsey report highlights.  (Sid is a club coach and was a referee on the day).  But the standard of Judo, and the effort that our junior players put in, was as high as ever.

"I was impressed with the standard of Judo through out the day"  said Sid, adding that "It was a long day but I enjoyed it, as did the players and spectators".

The juniors performance as the competition means that, at the end of the first round, Croydon Judo place is in 3rd place - the position we held at the end of 2007's league.

Congratulations as ever to all who took part, whether or not they came away wearing medals!  Once published, a full list of results will be available here.

More ...

Click here to read Sid Hearsey's full report on the event

Click here to read Emma's report on the girls weekend performance, and here for James Jeffries report on the boy's (which has been updated!)

Whatever next? 16 January 2008

If you pop down the club you may just spot the new club polo shirts strutting their stuff.  We are grateful to Michael for organising this.  Coming soon ... Croydon Judo Club hoodies!  Keep an eye on the parent's notice-board.

Safe hands 10 January 2008

Well done to club coaches Tony Baker and Brian Curran who have re-validated their first aid certificates following a two-day course last weekend.  Tony passed with 100%!  Congratulations also to senior member James Jeffries who gained his certification for the first time. 

Christmas comes early 19 December 2007

Yesterday Emma Doherty was presented with the club’s very first Jack Petchey Foundation ‘Achievement Award’. Emma, who was nominated by her peers for both her individual achievement and the contribution she was made to the club, was presented with a certificate, boxed medallion and badge by local councillor, and friend of the club, Stuart Collins last weekend.

In addition, Emma was presented with a replica cheque for £600 which she received on behalf of the local club. As the winner, Emma will decide where the money should be spent; this is a great boost for the club and helps provide equipment and opportunities that may otherwise remain on the ‘wish list’. The contest was very close - the winner winning by just 5 votes – with our young members proving what the coaches have always known; that there is a lot to be proud of when we look at our young people.

The club hopes to see many more of its members being recognised in this way. The Jack Petchey Foundation scheme aims to celebrate the achievements of 11 to 25 year olds and provide funds to youth clubs and initiatives in the London and Essex area.

The award was part of a whole day of celebrations for our junior members and their families as the club held their annual Christmas Championships and Party to bring to end a great year for the club (see below).

For more information about the Jack Petchey Foundation, visit their website at www.jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk
 

Annual Christmas Championships and Party 17 December 2007

Sunday 16th December was the last time our junior members were to be on the mats until the New Year ... and what a session it was!  All players took part in our annual Championships and, supported by family and friends, displayed some great judo.  For some this was their first competition experience, and we hope it has whetted their appetite.

Following the competition, our players turned their considerable talents to the business of eating, and then came the awards.  In addition to our Jack Petchey Achievement Award (see above), other club members were presented with awards to mark their achievement, effort and contribution to the life of the club.  Click here to see the full list of winners and their awards.

Our thanks go to all the volunteers - coaches, caterers and other helpers on the day - for putting on an excellent event; it is greatly appreciated and is one of the reasons why this is a great club to belong to. 

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